ESB 5166

SENATE BILL REPORT
ESB 5166

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

As Passed Senate, February 23, 2007

Title: An act relating to the designation of the thirteenth day of January of each year as Korean-American day.

Sponsors: Senators Shin, Kastama, Marr, Murray, Kauffman, Kilmer, Zarelli, Eide, Berkey, Franklin, Jacobsen, Rockefeller, McAuliffe, Regala, Pridemore, Clements, Keiser, Rasmussen, Sheldon, Delvin and Roach.

Majority Report: Do pass.Signed by Senators Fairley, Chair; Oemig, Vice Chair; Roach, Ranking Minority Member; Kline, Pridemore and Swecker.

Background: Since 1974, Washington has maintained a Commission charged with improving the well-being of Asian Pacific Americans. The state recognizes May as Asian Pacific American Heritage month, and dedicates the fourth week of May to celebrate the contributions made to the state by Asian Pacific Americans in the areas of art, science, commerce, and education. The Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs coordinates and assists with these celebrations.

Washington currently has nine nonlegal holidays: Columbus Day; Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day; Washington Army and Air National Guard Day; Purple Heart Recipient Recognition Day; Washington State Children's Day; Mother Joseph Day; Marcus Whitman Day; Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day; and the Civil Liberties Day of Remembrance.

Summary of Engrossed Bill: The state designates January 13th as Korean-American Day, to be treated as a nonlegal holiday. The Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs is directed to coordinate and assist educational institutions, public entities, and private organizations with celebrations of Korean-American Day that recognize the contributions Korean-Americans have made to the state in the arts, sciences, commerce, and education. Korean-Americans are encouraged to honor the sacrifices made by American citizens during the Korean War.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: In December, 2005, January 13th was designated national Korean-American Day by the United States. It commemorates the arrival of the first pioneer immigrants from Korea to this country on January 13, 1903. Korea and the United States have a long history of partnership and mutual aid. One hundred forty-eight thousand Korean-Americans own businesses in the United States, and 120,000 of those are in Washington State.

Korean-Americans are hard-working and politically active. They have made great educational, economic, and cultural contributions to this country. Recognizing their contributions will make Korean-Americans feel proud and appreciated for all they have achieved, and it will encourage the younger generation to work hard, in the footsteps of their parents and grandparents. By creating Korean-American Day, the Legislature will also make Korean-Americans feel welcome in Washington State.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Paull Shin, prime sponsor; Suck-Min Kim, Washington State Korean Association; Michael K. Yoon, Korean Association; Jean Rhee, Executive Director, Korean Community Counseling Center.